http://j.people.com.cn/n3/2025/0123/c95952-20269547.html

The production of white South Sea pearls requires excellent water quality, moderate and stable water temperature, and abundant floating organisms to feed on. Such an ecological environment can be found in the hot water discharge area of nuclear reactors.

Changjiang nuclear power plant initially introduced pearl oysters and other shellfish to reduce algae in the surrounding sea area, to purify the seawater, and reduce clogging of the nuclear power plant’s water intake. Then came the idea to cultivate super-large white South Sea pearls.

Concerns that the pearls grown in this way may be contaminated with radiation are responded to by Hainan Nuclear Power saying, “The radiation levels at Changjiang Nuclear Power Plant are strictly controlled and do not pose any harm to the surrounding environment or living organisms, and warm wastewater is also treated to reduce the impact on marine ecology. The radiation levels exposed to shellfish cultivated in the sea area around the nuclear power plant are well below the limit that would affect living organisms. The nuclear power plant also regularly monitors the surrounding sea area, including indicators such as water quality and the concentration of radioactive materials, to ensure the safety of the cultivation environment.”